In an attempt to bring more attention to the growing numbers of talented athletes from around the world who are taking their games abroad, AFI will name their weekly International Players of the Week, for high school and college football, throughout the 2017 season.
Criteria: For 2017, we are searching for football players from, or citizens of countries outside of the the 50 United States, and Canada, who are playing football in the 50 United States or Canada.
How the AFI community can help: If you fit the criteria, or know someone who does, please pass on the name of the athlete, home country and current school. If you are a high school or college coach or SID, please keep send AFI statistical updates on your international students each week.
American Football International Players of the Week: October 2-8, 2017
October’s first Player of the Week class took us from Europe, to África, and Down Under.
College
Offense: Purdue receiver Anthony Mahoungou from France led the Boilermakers in receiving (2 catches for 76 yards) in their 31-17 victory over Minnesota.
Purdue’s French star, Anthony Mahoungou was key in the Boilermaker’s win over Minnesota. Photo: Purdue Exponent
Defense
Notre Dame sophomore D-lineman Julian Okwara was key in his teams 33-10 win against North Carolina. The Nigerian came up big for the Irish with two tackles and an interception.
Nigerian-born Julian Okwara was money for Notre Dame in their win over North Carolina. Photo: Notre Dame Insider
Check out Okwara’s incredible interception
Hahahahah pic.twitter.com/jc3o3XA5Te
— Barstool Irish (@BarstoolIrish) October 7, 2017
Special Teams
Oscar Bradburn continued a stellar freshman campaign for Viginia Tech, totaling 307 yards in punts. The Sydney, Australia native and the 16th ranked Hokies defeated Boston College 23-10. Bradburn is tied for 4th in the ACC with an average of 43.8 yards per punt.
Australian freshman punter, Oscar Bradburn is tied for 4th in the ACC in punt average. Photo: 247Sports
High School
Baylor commit, Christoph Henle, hauled in 4 catches for 80 yards, to lead his Arlington Oakridge (Texas) squad in receiving in their 28-21 victory over Fort Worth Country Day. The win keeps the Austrian, Henle, and Oakridge Owl teammates alive for a birth in the Texas high school playoffs.
Austrian tight end, Christoph Henle, was key in leading Arlington Oakridge to victory and staying alive in the Texas playoff hunt.